Germany

Over the last few decades Berlin, Germany’s trendy capital, has become Europe’s “It” destination. A city with a complex past, it shines in its eccentric architecture: a mix of minimalist Bauhaus designs, chic new developments, communist relics and pre-war brownstones. But travel outside the buzz of Berlin and experience the true German Zeitgeist, from the mountains of Allgäu to the heart of the Bavarian Alps.

Germany also produces exceptionally drinkable wines such as Rieslings and Spätburgunder (Pinot noir), generally pressed in the Rhineland-Palatinate region along the Deutsche Weinstraße or 'German Wine Route'. If beer is more your thing, travel the tree-lined forests of Bavaria to sample from traditional breweries, or head to the sleek modernist bars of Munich.

The home of Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche, we strongly recommend a high-octane drive down the legendary, speed-limit-less autobahn, or a cruise through the Alps. Or, take your time and drive up to the north for a relaxing getaway on the sea-sprayed Baltic coast. Traditionally a “secret” artsy hideaway for the bohemian elite, get lost in thought while you walk down miles of sandy beaches and gentle wind-swept hills. Germany has a lot to be discovered.

Bavaria

Known for its abundant snow, Germans lovingly refer to Balderschwang as the "Bavarian Siberia”. Nestled in the heart of Nature Park Nagelfluhkette, and situated at 1,044 metres (3,425 feet) above sea level, this village is considered Germany’s most snow-rich spot and is ideal for skiers of all levels.

Germany

Bavaria is every bit the storybook fantasy you’ve seen in movies. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the model for Walt Disney’s "Magic Kingdom", or one of the many Medieval walled towns lining the "Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald“ (Bavarian Forest National Park) that influenced the infamous Brothers Grimm.

Bavaria

The town of Tegernsee, less than an hour from Munich, sits on the tranquil shores of its signature lake, Lake Tegernsee, in the cradle of the Bavarian Alps. Home to impressive peaks like the "Rotwand“ (1.884m asl) and the "Wallberg“ (1.722m asl), in many ways it owes its appeal to local, man-made attractions.

Germany

The Baltic Sea, for centuries an invaluable trade port, is a unique blend of Nordic, Germanic and Slavic influences. The Vikings fought for control of it, the poets have written sonnets in tribute to it, and today it continues to inspire heroic feats.

In 2004 art publisher and creative all-rounder Christoph Keller was on the hunt for a tranquil country house in the German Alps, far from the bustle of Berlin. By some twist of fate he chanced upon a real estate listing for an abandoned schnapps distillery. Needless to say, he snapped it up and set to the task of bringing it back to life.

A disused Kindergarten in former eastside Berlin in 2003 became the first home & in-house workshops of artisanal MYKITA, in fact, the building helped shape their inquisitive minds, fostering learning and thinking out of the box.

It was that familiar allure of the Swiss Alps that inspired the brand of MALOJA – an authentic, fantastically imaginative take on the traditional dress sense of the Alps. Think here of re-crafted, cultivated attire made for the modern day Alpinistas.

In 2004 art publisher and creative all-rounder Christoph Keller was on the hunt for a tranquil country house in the German Alps, far from the bustle of Berlin. By some twist of fate he chanced upon a real estate listing for an abandoned schnapps distillery. Needless to say, he snapped it up and set to the task of bringing it back to life.

Well, the people behind the scenes are an eclectic bunch, that not only share a deep passion for sustainable farming which, for them, is a matter of fact, but relish in the sweet treats of the Tropics and the conservation of our world’s threatened rainforests.

Imagine a design trade show where you can meet the designers in person and buy their products on the spot. Better yet, imagine a design tradeshow that takes place at a carefully selected central location that reflects the design culture of the city, far from soulless trade halls.

Dieter Hofmann is a busy man, and you wouldn’t expect anything else from the man behind blickfang, a design tradeshow unlike any other. If having already held fairs this year in both Stuttgart, Munich and Basel weren’t enough, Hamburg, Vienna and Zurich are still to come before the end of 2016.

There is nothing more appealing than curling up after a day out on the slopes with a good page-turning book in hand. We've put together a ski holiday reading list of books for the slopes - inspired by the alps.